GRAFFITI has become a permanent menace in Pakistan. Walls of houses and other properties in residential and commercial areas are used for political motives such as political slogans and political marketing not only by political and religious parties but also by student federations, unions and other organisations.

Graffiti is excessively used, without any fear or restriction, as a mode of cheap marketing by low-level companies, palmists and so-called health clinics. Apart from ignorance and lack of awareness, one of the possible reasons for widespread graffiti in the country may be lack of forums or platforms to express one’s emotions.

People ruin aesthetics of the cities to vent their frustration and use others’ property as an outlet for their thoughts.

Attention of parliamentarians and authorities concerned is drawn towards this issue in the wake of upcoming general elections.

The Election Commission of Pakistan should give due importance to this issue and bar political parties — in its code of conduct — from eroding the beauty of cities during their election campaign.

Developed countries like the UK have strict laws in this regard and anyone caught doing graffiti is arrested and prosecuted under Criminal Damage Act 1971 and Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003. In Pakistan, there is a need to devise effective laws to combat the issue.

ZAHEER ABBAS      Islamabad